News Focus
- FC Bayern Munich have paused contract discussions with Austrian midfielder Konrad Laimer.
- The player reportedly requests an annual salary of €12 million to €15 million.
- Uli Hoeneß urges Laimer to accept lower wages, comparing his ability unfavourably to global superstars.
- The 28-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal and could depart on a free transfer in 2027.
- Hoeneß also revealed he would sign Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi if possible.
FC Bayern Munich have put contract talks with Konrad Laimer on hold. The Bundesliga club is unwilling to meet the Austrian international’s reported wage demands of between €12 million and €15 million per year.
Uli Hoeneß, who serves as honorary president and a supervisory board member at Bayern, addressed the standstill during an interview with DAZN. He praised Laimer’s work rate and importance to the squad but insisted the 28-year-old must reduce his financial expectations.
Hoeneß stated that Laimer lacks the individual brilliance of football legends such as Diego Maradona or current Bayern striker Harry Kane. He argued that only truly exceptional players can command such high salaries without limits.
“We are not discussing specific figures,” Hoeneß said. “However, when you read the reported numbers, you must consider the context. I value Konny highly. He runs tirelessly for the team and represents the club well. But he is not Maradona. Even top earners must recognise there are boundaries.”
The former Bayern president noted that Laimer still has twelve months left on his existing contract. He pointed out that the player will be 30 years old when his deal expires in 2027, at which point he could leave for free. Hoeneß added that very few clubs across Europe could match what Laimer currently earns at the Allianz Arena.
During the same interview, Hoeneß named the one player he would sign from Bayern’s Champions League rivals, Paris Saint-Germain. He selected Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi, a position that Laimer has frequently occupied for the Bavarians this season.